Water vapor releasing composition of matter and device, and process for their use

Abstract

A device for releasing water vapor in electron tubes comprises a holder and a water vapor releasing material carried by said holder. In one embodiment the water vapor releasing material is a hydroxide or hydrated oxide of a metallic element in combination with a binder. In another embodiment it is hydrated alumina.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A water vapor generating device for use in electron tubes comprising a holder and a water vapor generating composition carried by the holder wherein the water generating composition comprises: (A) a particulate hydrated oxide or a particulate hydroxide of a metal chosen from the group consisting of Ir, Cd, Ni, Zr, Ti, Al, Ba and Mg and   (B) a particulate metal whose particles cold weld together on the application of compressive forces   wherein the weight ratios of A:B is from 50:1 to 1:50.   
     
     
       2. A water vapor releasing device of claim 1 in which the holder is in the form of an annular ring of U-shaped cross section. 
     
     
       3. A water vapor releasing device of claim 1 in which the holder is in the form of a hollow cylinder closed at one end. 
     
     
       4. A water vapor releasing device of claim 1 in which the holder is in the form of a wire or rod. 
     
     
       5. A water vapor releasing device of claim 1 in which the holder is in thermal contact with a getter device. 
     
     
       6. A water vapor generating device for use in electron tubes comprising a holder and a water vapor generating composition carried by the holder wherein the water generating composition comprises: (A) a particulate hydrated oxide or a particulate hydroxide of a metal chosen from the group consisting of Ir, Cd, Ni, Zr, Ti, Al, Ba and Mg and   (B) a particulate metal whose particles cold weld together on the application of compressive forces chosen from the group consisting of Fe, Co and Ni   wherein the weight ratio of A:B is from 50:1 to 1:50.   
     
     
       7. A water vapor generating device for use in electron tubes comprising a holder and a water vapor generating composition carried by the holder wherein the water generating composition comprises: (A) particulate Al(OH) 3     (B) particulate Ni   wherein the weight ratio of A:B is from 25:1 to 1:25.   
     
     
       8. A water vapor generating device for use in electron tubes comprising a holder and a water vapor generating composition carried by the holder wherein the water generating composition comprises: (A) particulate Al(OH) 3  which passes through a screen of 120 mesh per inch   (B) particulate Ni which passes through a screen of 600 mesh per inch   wherein the weight ratio of A:B is from 25:1 to 1:25.   
     
     
       9. A water vapor releasing device for use in a television kinescope comprising a hollow metallic cylinder closed at one end and a water vapor generating composition of matter carried by the holder wherein the water generating composition comprises: (A) particulate Al(OH) 3  which passes through a screen of 120 mesh per inch   (B) particulate Ni which passes through a screen of 600 mesh per inch   wherein the weight ratio of A:B is from 25:1 to 1:25 and the holder is in thermal contact with a getter device.